Tips for our Neurodiverse Kids!

Do you have a child who has struggles with following directions or completing tasks like simple household chores?  Do you find yourself telling your child multiple times the same things like pick up your toys, brush your teeth or put your clothes in the hamper?  If you have a child with Executive Functioning challenges, chances are he or she needs a visual reminder.  Sticky Notes are your new BFF!  Write 1-3 jobs on a sticky note, place it in a spot (bathroom or dresser mirror, refrigerator, etc.) so that your child can see it easily.  As your child completes the task and shows you it is finished and meets your expectations, you can check it off or cross it off the list. If the job is not up to your expectations, you can use this opportunity to teach your child what you want them to do.  Even if they don’t meet your criteria, this a super time to point out specific details that they did correctly.  Of course, if the job is done well, use this time to praise your child for a job well done.  Remember to have a deadline–setting a timer for job completion is key–play Beat the Timer Game!  Also, start with only 1 job, stay with 1 job for a few days, then you can add 1 more.   As you meet success with 2 jobs, you may add a 3rd.  Stay with only 3 jobs per Sticky Note so you won’t overwhelm your child.  Our next tip will have ways to motivate your child to complete Sticky Note tasks as well as other directions you give him or her.  Stay tuned!